The Ultimate Health Trio: Sleep, Diet and Exercise

The Ultimate Health Trio: Sleep, Diet and Exercise

Getting the body you want is a three-step process. You have to eat right, exercise regularly, and also, sleep well. Believe it or not, sleep plays a powerful role in your daily appetite and energy level, which in turn can affect your food choices and will to exercise. Without adequate amounts of sleep, your journey to better health can quickly transform into a self-defeating and unproductive cycle.

The way that sleep, dieting and exercising are connected make it a circular process. The amount of sleep you get can influence your decision to grab a sugary and caffeinated soda instead of a yogurt parfait, and can sway you to hit snooze a few times instead of hitting the gym. But what you eat and how much you exercise can also affect how you sleep. So where do you start?

In many studies, regular exercise has been shown to improve quality of sleep. With just 2 1/2 hours of vigorous exercise a week, you can experience better rest and less daytime sleepiness. Use caution when working out too close to bedtime, which can actually cost you sleep. It is recommended that you cease all moderate physical activity at least 3 hours before bedtime, so your body has enough time to cool down.

Improving your diet can also positively affect quality of sleep. By avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks and foods, you’ll allow your body to feel natural sleep onset when bedtime rolls around. Avoiding alcohol before bed can improve sleep, too. Alcoholic drinks and beverages have been shown to prevent the occurrence of REM sleep, the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep.

When you make small improvements to your overall sleep hygiene and healthy habits, you’ll begin to notice big differences in the way you feel and the way you look. Sleep affects all aspects of your life, so make sure that you get the best sleep of your life.

If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping, tossing and turning or other sleep issues, don’t hesitate to call our FusionSleep team to seek assistance. Our team of board-certified sleep specialists are more than happy to help you find a sleep solution that works for you. Get in touch with our Atlanta FusionSleep office by calling (690) 990-3962.